SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown remains confident of bringing Stephen McLaughlin and Luke O’Neill back to the club.

Brown is keen to strengthen his squad following Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Walsall at Roots Hall.

And it is former loanees McLaughlin and O’Neill who top Brown’s wanted list, along with Crawley Town striker Izale McLeod.

“Things are bubbling along and we’re still looking at bringing in both Stephen McLaughlin and Luke O’Neill,” said the Blues boss.

“I’m hopeful of them coming in but, at the same time, I don’t want to be jumping the gun, and I’m not sure anything will happen until right at the end of the transfer window.”

Nottingham Forest winger McLaughlin scored twice in nine games while with the Shrimpers at the end of last season while versatile Burnley defender O’Neill made just once appearance during the 2013/14 before suffering a thigh injury.

However, Brown remains keen on bringing them back to Roots Hall and is also still keen on signing McLeod.

“We’ve spoken to many strikers but Izale remains the number one target for us,” said Brown.

“I’m talking to his agent and it’s one we’re keeping tabs on but I understand he was in the initial squad for Crawley again at the weekend so I’m not sure what’s going to happen there.”

Blues have picked up just one point from their first two league games this season and travel to Doncaster Rovers tomorrow night.